Sketches from the silver screen

Equine artist Ali Bannister popped into the Museum last week to drop off some very special objects for the War Horse: Fact & Fiction exhibition.

Ali has just finished work on the set of Steven Spielberg’s forthcoming blockbuster War Horse. The production has kindly lent us her detailed equine drawings which were used to make up the sketch book of Captain James Nicholls (played by Tom Hiddleston).

Ali’s initial role on the film was to produce these evocative drawings. But her eye for detail and knowledge of horses soon landed her the job of Equine Artistic Advisor.

Along with a specialist team, Ali had to ensure the continuity of the horses’ ‘hair and make-up’ throughout the four months of filming. And with more than 100 horses (including multiple “Joeys”), they certainly had their work cut out for them.

Overseen by a representative from the American Humane Association, animal welfare always came first. Expert vets were there to make sure the horses were well looked after, and there was even a blacksmith on hand to ensure filming wasn’t delayed by missing horse shoes!

Come and take a look at Ali’s beautiful sketches from 22 October 2011 at War Horse: Fact & Fiction.